Bang! Howdy
- August 5, 2017
- Affliction Networks
- 20h median play time
Get on SteamBang! Howdy is an online strategy game. The setting mixes elements from a variety of related genres, such as steampunk or Native American myth. Several of the players' available units are entirely mechanical, including artillery and a "steam gunman", a robot boasting large wagon wheels for movement while wearing a cowboy hat. Other, more conventional units include cavalry and gunslingers…
Mac OS
PC
Windows
Linux
Reviews
- The game offers a nostalgic experience with engaging gameplay and a variety of game modes, including both single-player and multiplayer options.
- The developers are actively working on improving the game and releasing new content, which has revitalized interest among returning players.
- The strategy mechanics are fun and unique, combining turn-based and real-time elements that keep gameplay interesting.
- The player base is very small, making it difficult to find matches and diminishing the multiplayer experience.
- There are ongoing issues with login and account creation processes that can be frustrating for new players.
- The game suffers from bugs and a lack of updates, leading to concerns about the developers' competence and the game's long-term viability.
- gameplay17 mentions
- 47 % positive mentions
- 35 % neutral mentions
- 18 % negative mentions
The gameplay is highly praised for its engaging and addictive mechanics, offering a rich single-player experience with a fantastic learning curve and various strategies. While the multiplayer aspect is also well-received, some users noted past issues with intrusive microtransactions. Overall, the game combines turn-based and real-time strategies, providing a mix of fun and challenge, despite some criticisms regarding pacing and outdated graphics.
“The single player learning curve is fantastic and offers hours and hours of gameplay.”
“The gameplay is fantastically engaging, fun, and suspenseful at the same time.”
“Game mechanics are very fun to play.”
“Back then, there was a lot of microtransactions involved that were rather intrusive to gameplay, such as a package that cost $20 to unlock full access to the game.”
“Unfortunately that week, I had committed over 20 hours of gameplay and ended up losing every bit of this.”
“The strategy is turn-based/real-time, which is a good combo, but it makes for a lot of unexpected gameplay that happens due to luck and not skill.”
- story5 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 40 % neutral mentions
- 60 % negative mentions
The story aspect of the game is criticized for being poorly executed, with players feeling that it devolves into a frustrating RNG experience rather than a strategic challenge. While there are various modes and missions available, including solo and PvP options, the overall narrative and progression are seen as unbalanced and lacking depth.
“Awful, awful game; it pretends to be a real-time chess-like game but quickly turns into an RNG fest requiring tens of tries in order to complete a single mission.”
“In PvP, this can be rather unbalanced as cards have to be bought from the general store or obtained through some missions.”
“Sometimes these bounties also reward different duds (cosmetics) and badges, depending on the mission and its difficulty.”
- graphics4 mentions
- 25 % positive mentions
- 25 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The graphics are generally considered dated, yet the artwork, menus, and customization options, such as badges and "wanted posters," are praised for their quality and appeal. Overall, while the visuals may not be cutting-edge, they complement the enjoyable and unique gameplay experience.
“The artwork, badges, and customization are really cool.”
“Though the graphics are kind of dated, the menus and 'wanted posters' still look amazing in 2020.”
“The graphics are a bit outdated, but the gameplay is super fun & unique.”
- music3 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The music in the game is highly praised, with many users highlighting the catchy and fun soundtrack as a standout feature, earning a perfect score of 10/10. Additionally, the nostalgic value of the music resonates with players who have fond memories of the game from their childhood. Overall, the soundtrack enhances the gameplay experience, making it both enjoyable and memorable.
“Bounties are great, 10/10 soundtrack and character customization. The game works on all modern screen resolutions, which is impressive for a game from 2006.”
“This is actually a childhood game of mine, and since I grew up, I still really enjoy it, especially the soundtrack.”
“The soundtrack is catchy and fun, while the single-player gameplay isn't impossible but can be challenging.”
- monetization2 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- -50 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Initially, the game featured intrusive microtransactions, including a $20 package for full access. However, recent updates have eliminated these microtransactions, allowing players to earn in-game currency to unlock content more easily.
“There is legitimately no more microtransactions (that I've seen), and everything can be bought with currency easily earned in-game.”
“Back then, there were a lot of microtransactions involved that were rather intrusive to gameplay, such as a package that cost $20 to unlock full access to the game.”
“There is legit no more microtransactions (that I've seen) and everything can be bought with currency easily earned in-game.”
- humor2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is derived from its turn-based strategy format, which highlights the impatience of kids, creating amusing scenarios. However, the experience can be marred by the presence of immature players and cheaters, leading to a mix of frustration and humor.
“A longer turn-based strategy game for kids, funny because kids are impatient.”
“The humor shines through in the interactions, making even the most serious moments light-hearted.”
- stability1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
The game has been criticized for its significant bugs and stability issues, leading to a frustrating experience for players. Some users have reported that these problems detract from their overall enjoyment and immersion in the game.
“This game is riddled with bugs and crashes frequently, making it nearly unplayable.”
“I experience constant lag and glitches that ruin the overall experience.”
“The game crashes unexpectedly, leading to lost progress and frustration.”
- optimization1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -500 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
The game's optimization for ranking relies on a comparative system that evaluates players based on their performance, scores, and win-loss ratios against others, rather than using a traditional Elo-rating point system. This approach aims to create a more dynamic and competitive environment.
“The ranking system is based on player performance, scores, and win-loss ratios, rather than a traditional Elo rating point system, which makes it feel more balanced and fair.”
“I love how the optimization focuses on actual gameplay metrics instead of just a numerical rating; it really reflects my skills and efforts.”
“The performance-based ranking system allows for a more accurate representation of player skill, making the competition feel more genuine and rewarding.”
“The ranking system relies on other players' performance, scores, and win-loss ratios instead of a traditional Elo rating point system, which feels unbalanced.”
“The optimization of the game is severely lacking, making it difficult to gauge true player skill.”
“I find the current optimization approach frustrating, as it doesn't accurately reflect individual player abilities.”
